When we talk about the beauty of New Brunswick, we often think of sandy beaches, rugged coastlines, and forests that stretch as far as the eye can see. But for New Brunswick Provincial Parks, the true beauty lies in making sure that everyone can experience them. Accessibility isn’t an afterthought, it's a commitment.

Our Commitment to Accessibility

Accessibility is more than building ramps or providing designated parking spots. It is about ensuring that people living with disabilities have equal opportunities to explore nature, connect with others, and create lasting memories. In line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which Canada ratified in 2010, and the New Brunswick Accessibility Act, New Brunswick Provincial Parks are committed to providing access to the physical environment, transportation, information, and public facilities.

Our goal is simple: to promote inclusion and equal opportunity so that all visitors, regardless of ability, can enjoy a safe, enriching, and unforgettable experience in our parks. To achieve this, we work closely with partners, advocates, and guests with disabilities to continuously improve the services we offer.

What Accessibility Means in Our Parks

The word “accessible” can mean different things depending on who you ask. For one person, it might be a smooth path for their wheelchair. For another, it might be clear signage and good lighting. Others may need to be accompanied by a designated caretaker or a service animal free of charge. New Brunswick Provincial Parks strive for universal design in order to be as accessible to as many visitors as possible.

At New Brunswick Provincial Parks, we look at accessibility through multiple lenses:

• Physical – ramps, trails, and accessible surfaces designed..
• Sensory – scent-free buildings, tactile signage, and good lighting.
• Intellectual & Emotional – creating safe, welcoming environments that consider diverse needs such as quiet spaces.
• Neurodivergent- we understand that people’s brains work differently and some individuals approach things differently. We can accommodate the needs of our visitors on an individual basis.
• Developmental – ensuring children and adults with developmental disabilities can also take part.

By considering these perspectives, we aim to make every visitor feel welcomed, respected, and included.

Accessibility in Action: Partnerships that make a difference

Parks New Brunswick is proud to partner with several disability advocates like Ability New Brunswick to help ensure natural spaces are welcoming and enjoyable for everyone. Through this collaboration, we’re working together to identify barriers, enhance accessibility features and create more inclusive outdoor experiences across our parks. Ability NB, a provincial community-based non-profit organization formed in 1956. Their mission is to empower the independence and full community participation of persons throughout New Brunswick who have a mobility disability. Our Accessible NB program was designed to help New Brunswick foster more accessible work environments and communities by offering accessibility reviews and consultations based on universal design codes, standards and best practices.

From improved trail designs to accessible facilities and educational programming, this partnership highlights a shared commitment to empowering people of all abilities to explore the beauty of New Brunswick’s landscapes.

Facilities Across NB Parks

This is where accessibility comes alive not as a policy, but as a real, practical feature of your park visit. Let’s look at each of our provincial parks to see what has been accomplished to date to reach our accessibility goals:

Mactaquac Provincial Park offers a variety of accessible features to ensure everyone can enjoy the outdoors. The park provides a ParaGolf chair, two Hippocampe wheelchairs, and one WaterWheels floating beach wheelchair for use. Visitors will find roofed accommodations, including a Ch-A-let (Site 264) and Rustic Shelters with accessibility features. Campsites #198 and199, along with Comfort Stations #4 and #6, , are all wheelchair-accessible. Trails like the Beaver Pond Trail are fully accessible, and a portable ramp makes it easier to reach the beach. The Big Canoe also has removable chair backs to support para paddling adventures.

At Fundy Trail Provincial Park, accessibility means opening the wonders of the Bay of Fundy to everyone. From scenic lookouts to coastal trails, the park is committed to ensuring visitors of all abilities can explore and connect with this extraordinary landscape from May-October. Guests with mobility needs can take advantage of a dedicated golf cart service at the Walton Glen Reception Centre, providing transportation to the stunning Walton Glen Gorge Observation Deck. For campers, Sites #1 and #2 are reserved exclusively for visitors requiring accessible accommodations, and anaccessible comfort station at the campground includes wheelchair-friendly washrooms and showers.

All observation decks from the Mitchell Franklin Bridge to the Walton Glen Gorge are wheelchair accessible, offering breathtaking views along the coastline. Both the the Big Salmon River and Walton Glen Reception Centres feature wheelchair ramps and accessible washrooms for added comfort and convenience. Long Beach also offers a wheelchair-accessible viewing platform overlooking the Bay of Fundy. In addition, sections of the Multi-Use Trail from the West Gate to Parking Area 6 are being upgraded for wheelchair accessibility, with completion expected in 2026. From arrival to adventure, Fundy Trail continues to enhance accessibility across its facilities so everyone can experience the park’s natural beauty and cultural heritage without barriers.

Murray Beach Provincial Park is a welcoming spot for visitors with limited mobility, featuring accessible trails. The park includes a rustic shelter with ramp and visitors can enjoy kitchen shelter #3 which is also designed for accessibility.

New River Beach Provincial Park provides a comfortable and accessible coastal experience. Beach access is supported by a Mobi-mat and three beach wheelchairs made available to visitors at no cost. The park also maintains an accessible crushed rock trail so that visitors of all abilities can enjoy the scenic views our trail system offers. Guests in our campground will find an accessible comfort station and kitchen shelter as well as ramps on Rustic Shelter D and Ch-A-let 42B.

Mount Carleton Provincial Park welcomes visitors of all abilities to enjoy its wilderness setting. The main entrance is accessible, including ramps and a lowered welcome desk.

Parlee Beach Provincial Park is one of the most accessible destinations in the province. Upon arrival, visitors will find designated accessible parking spaces conveniently located near the middle comfort station, which serves as the park’s main accessible washroom facility. From there, guests can easily access gender-inclusive changing rooms and a nearby playground featuring an accessible surface, inclusive play equipment, and a shaded, accessible gazebo.

The accessible Mobi-Mat begins close to this area and extends toward the beach, providing a smooth path to the water. Visitors can safely enjoy the shoreline with the park’s two floating WaterWheels beach wheelchairs and spend time comfortably on the sand thanks to the accessible Mobi-Deck platform designed for guests with reduced mobility.

In addition, the park offers two accessible rustic shelters, and an accessible campsite located in Zone C. The campground also features showers with accessible features.

Herring Cove Provincial Park makes it easy for everyone to enjoy the beauty of Campobello Island. The park features one Chalet (#2) and one rustic shelter (#3) with ramps, as well as accessible washrooms and showers. Beach access is supported with a ramp and Mobi-mat. Visitors can enjoy barrier-free access to several buildings and facilities throughout the park, creating a welcoming and inclusive experience.

Sugarloaf Provincial Park is a year-round destination offering many accessible features for visitors of all abilities. The park provides one adaptive mountain bike. It is best to call ahead to book this bike at no cost to ensure availability. Accessible accommodations include one Chalet (Site 78). Buildings throughout the park are designed with accessibility in mind, the visitor welcome center, and main lodge all have ramps, elevators, and accessible washrooms. Guests can enjoy the T Bar Restaurant (upper level accessible by elevator), the campground’s comfort station with level walkways and accessible showers, the Terry Fox Trail with 4.2 km of packed accessible pathway, a picnic shelter, and paved walkways to the tennis courts.

République Provincial Park offers a comfortable and inclusive camping experience. The park features one accessible Chalet (Site 3) and one Rustic Shelter, both located near accessible washroom facilities in Campground B. Visitors will find level walkways, accessible buildings, and easy navigation throughout the park, making it a great place for everyone to relax and enjoy nature.

Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park is a must-see destination that ensures accessibility for all visitors. All trails, viewing decks, and facilities are wheelchair accessible, including access down to the ocean floor via a ramp. A shuttle service is available for visitors who need assistance getting from the admission area to the lower site, where accessible viewing decks offer breathtaking views of the tides.

Each park is unique, but the message is the same: nature belongs to everyone.

Creating Accessible Events and Experiences:

Accessibility doesn’t stop at facilities; it extends to events, programs, and the way we welcome guests. From ensuring accessible parking and transport to training volunteers and creating spaces that consider acoustics, lighting, and seating arrangements, Parks NB strives to make every gathering inclusive.

Service animals are welcomed in public areas, volunteers and staff are trained to offer respectful support, and clear communication whether through signage, print, or digital to help every guest know what to expect.

Everyone is Welcome

We know there is always more work to do, but every new accessible trail, accessible washroom, or adapted activity brings us closer to a vision of parks without barriers.

So, whether you are planning a camping trip, a family picnic, or simply a walk by the ocean, know that New Brunswick Provincial Parks are here to welcome you. The beauty of our province isn’t just in the landscapes. It’s in making sure that everyone has the chance to enjoy them.

This story was authored by Matineh Kormi

Student Intern from the University of New Brunswick

Recreation and Sports Studies

Matineh has completed her internship with Parks NB. During her time with the department, Matineh completed reviews on accessibility, programs and facilities within the provincial parks in New Brunswick.